15 Tile Countertop Ideas: Here's Everything You Need To Know

When preparing for a kitchen remodel, homeowners have a lot of things to think about — appliances, cabinets, lighting, and countertop options, to name a few. Most people immediately think of stone slabs for the latter. And while they might make a big statement, their beauty comes at a high price.

But that doesn't mean that you're out of luck. There are several budget-friendly alternatives worth considering, such as tile kitchen countertops. Sure, the retro idea might be less conventional, but it's practical, durable, and, most importantly, one of the more affordable options around. So, if you want beautiful counters without breaking the bank, read on.

Tile is made from manufactured, hard-wearing materials such as ceramic, stone, metal, baked clay, or even glass. Fired tile includes ceramic and porcelain and stone tile is cut from slate, granite, travertine, and marble. The size and shape varies depending on the material. For example, ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, whereas natural stone is usually limited to squares and rectangles. Ceramic and porcelain tend to be the most popular choice for tiled kitchen countertops.

Ceramic tile reached its peak in the 1970s and then began to fall out of favor with the availability of engineered and natural stone slabs, but it's slowly resurfacing again, thanks in part to the affordability and ease of installation. 

It is made from natural clay that's been baked at high temperatures to remove moisture. Ceramic tile is easy to care for, requiring just mild soap and water for daily cleaning and non-acidic cleaners for a deeper clean. Grout lines can be an entry point for bacteria and germs, so it's necessary to have counters professionally resealed once a year. And when it's properly sealed, the result is heat-, water-, and stain-resistant.

There are many reasons to use ceramic tile on a kitchen countertop, including the wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes available. And with so many options, there is room for endless creativity. On average, ceramic tile costs range from $4 to $115 per square foot.

Porcelain tile is a subcategory of ceramic tile composed of clays and minerals. Since it's fired at higher temperatures it's incredibly durable, making it heat-, scratch-, and stain-resistant. It's more difficult to install than ceramic, so leave this one to the professionals. 

Like ceramic tile, porcelain is gaining in popularity as a kitchen countertop option. It comes in virtually any size and color and can even look like natural stone. However, it's pricier than ceramic tile — ranging from $7 to $45 per square foot — but less than granite and marble.

Porcelain tile is easy to care for requiring just mild soap and water or an all-purpose cleaner to remove stubborn residue but avoid acidic cleaners. They do need to be sealed every year though, to keep grout lines stain- and germ-free. If food does stick to grout lines, an old toothbrush can work wonders at removing it.

Granite slab countertops bring a sense of luxury to any space, but they are expensive and unrealistic for many budgets. The good news is that this natural stone can be cut into tiles, resulting in a more affordable option while retaining the same texture and beauty. Granite is an igneous rock formed under extreme heat, resulting in a material that is highly durable (heat-, stain-, and scratch-resistant when properly sealed). Slabs range from $80 to $150 per square foot, while granite tile runs from $6 to $15 per square foot.

Like most natural stone, including marble, limestone, and soapstone, granite is porous and needs to be professionally sealed before installation and annually thereafter. This is particularly important with granite tile in order to keep grout lines bacteria- and stain-free. 

Granite tile countertops are easy to care for on a daily basis, and mild soap and warm water are enough to keep them clean. A side note on grout lines: They can be emphasized for visual effect or minimized to create more of a slab-like appearance. Just keep in mind that grout lines are where bacteria and germs enter and stains occur.

Pros

• Ceramic tile comes in a seemingly endless variety of colors, sizes, and shapes.
• It's easy to install and can even be tackled as a DIY project.
• Tile is affordable and heat-, scratch-, and stain-resistant when properly sealed.
• Cleaning on a daily basis is a breeze requiring nothing more than wiping your counters down with a microfiber cloth, water, and soap (or a non-acidic solution).
• As opposed to a large stone slab, it's easy to replace tiles if a chip or crack appears.

Cons

• Tile counters do require annual professional maintenance to keep bacteria out of the grout. Grout lines should be as thin as possible to minimize staining and harboring germs. However, the smaller the tile, the more grout lines you will need to keep clean.
• The nature of tile and grout results in an uneven work surface that isn't ideal for food prep, like rolling out dough, and a cutting board should be used for chopping.
• Tiles can crack under extreme heat.
• Tile countertops don't have universal appeal, so if you're considering selling your home in the near future you may want to consider another material.

Blanket your kitchen in terracotta tile for a welcoming and earthy feel to showcase the natural material in varying sizes on the floor, countertops, and backsplash. White cabinets and walls will temper the rust-colored hue while stainless appliances add a contemporary vibe.

Zellige — the handmade Moroccan tile that brings irresistible color variation and texture to interiors — is an on-trend material oftentimes used for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. It can be a central focal point in your kitchen, especially on an island countertop. The glossy surface reflects an abundance of natural light that's further highlighted by a backdrop of matte stone finishes.

For an eye-catching idea with maximum visual effect, use the same tile on all kitchen surfaces, from the counters to the walls. It can elevate the impact of an everyday staple. Graphic lines and stainless steel accessories could add interest to the pared-down design.

Embrace the character of an older home. Basic white cabinets are the perfect backdrop for yellow-and-green countertop tile in a cozy kitchen that harkens back to a simpler time. Laminate flooring could add a subtle pattern that ties the sweet look together.

If you've got seafoam and weathered white features in your kitchen, consider natural stone tiles to grace the backsplash, floor, and countertops. The cohesive tone will provide continuity throughout. Custom oak cabinets will add depth and texture to the pared-down space.

A workaround solution to the inherently uneven surface of tiled countertops? Inset a flat area within the tile. The clever little trick means that you can still enjoy the culinary trend without it affecting the functionality of your space. Win-win!

Use two different tile shapes in your kitchen redesign— hexagonal on the countertops and rectangular on the backsplash, for instance — for visual interest. However,make sure they share the same color to keep it from being distracting. Calming mint green accents and chrome hardware could lend a welcome retro vibe.

It's hard to dispute subway tile's traditional bent, but it can have a surprisingly au courant appearance depending on how it's installed. Black subway tile in a stacked bond pattern can transition seamlessly from the backsplash to the countertop, resulting in a mesmerizing grid pattern with an appealing modern note. White grout will add contrast and further enhance the design.

Marble isn't the only medium that imparts sophistication in a design scheme. A terracotta tile flaunting varying shades of gray adds dreamy depth, texture, and old-world charm to a quiet kitchen. Aged brass sink taps will enhance the European sensibility while providing a bit of warmth.

Opt for vintage farmhouse vibes with an all-over white scheme. Along with charming elements like shaker-style cabinets, use tile laid out in a diamond pattern on the countertop and backsplash. A marble-topped storage cart nearby will equal parts utilitarian and beautiful — expanding the kitchen's work surface and infusing a high-end touch. 

Does plain white tile feel a little too ... well, plain? Opt to give the tiled countertop a little kick with colored grout that matches the range hood. The result is subtle yet it definitely makes an impact.

Black tiles all over will look dramatic in a kitchen, and if you include black appliances alongside it, you can have a moody, unique design that goths will love.

If you really want something unique, consider a mixed approach. You can create an earthy, layered scene if you use different styles and colors of natural stone tile on your kitchen countertop. Choose options from the same brand to make things look cohesive.

Most kitchen tiles are large and square A smaller-scale option can look unique by comparison. Small mosaic tiles on a kitchen island (especially a green one) will look like a  shimmering jewel box in the center of the room.

Granite tiles are a win if you want the natural look without the high budget, but unless you add the right accents, it could look a little plain. Consider adding rose gold accessories throughout your kitchen, along with sage-green cabinets and dark green paint colors.